Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter – 8 Fixes

Drivers are an important part of your PC. They help you make the physical hardware and components worth the software. But, you can run into a driver issue. One of these is related to the network adapter.  Sometimes, windows could not find a driver for your adapter.

There are plenty of solutions to this problem. You can try resetting the router or diagnosing connectivity. Reinstalling the driver or network adapter is another step. Windows restore point is also a great choice.

How can you do these efficiently? Are there any drawbacks? This guide will help you navigate through everything that matters.

Trying The Troubleshooter Fails

Detecting problems

There used to be a time when diagnosis or troubleshooting was a great way to fix any network issue. You could use a network adapter troubleshooter, and it would tell you the problem. Often, you could solve the problem. But what if an error appears?

‘Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter.’

Another common error can appear while you’re using the troubleshooter. Let’s dive in to fix the issues:

Solutions For Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter

  1. Resetting The Router
  2. Try Windows Network Adapter Troubleshooter
  3. Reinstall The Network Adapter
  4. Use Another Device To Get The Network Adapter Drivers
  5. System Restore To Fix Windows Network Adapter
  6. The Power Management Error 
  7. Reset Your Network
  8. Uninstall The Device

Solutions When Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter

So, you’re running out of luck. You consistently get the ‘Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter’ error. It means that you can’t connect to the internet. 

1. Resetting The Router

Router

Often, you can reset the router to fix most problems. Many internet problems and connectivity issues find apt solutions when you reset. Here are the steps:

  • All you need to do is turn the router off and unplug it. Then replug it and start it.
  • Each router has a Reset button on the backside. You need to press a tiny button for 10-30 seconds. Some routers may have a little hole that requires a pin for you to press the button.

Remember that resetting the router might also mean resetting the password. Thus, you will have to configure your network connection again. Set a new password, connection name, etc., to remain secure.

You can also go to the Manufacturer’s website of your router to find the wi-fi reset option. 

2. Try Windows Troubleshooter

network adapter troubleshooter

Apart from the network adapter troubleshooter, windows also have another one. You can use it to see if you can find the solution. When the built-in troubleshooter fails, this one can help.

The network troubleshooter is related to the connection. But what if the problem is related to hardware, devices, or software? That’s where Windows Troubleshooter comes to play.

  • You will have to activate Cortana for this. Press Windows + Q to launch Cortana.
  • Then type ‘Troubleshoot’ for Cortana. Once you select it, the settings app will open up.
  • Find internet connections from the options. Make sure to click on ‘Run the troubleshooter.’ If needed, run as an administrator.
  • Select ‘troubleshoot my connection to the internet.’
  • Go to ‘Hardware and Devices’ and once again run the troubleshooter.
  • You might end up getting some results. The troubleshooter might provide you with fixes. You can use it to make the changes and click on ‘Apply This fix.’

3. Reinstall The Network Adapter

Reinstall The Network Adapter

Are you getting the ‘Windows could not find a driver message? It could be because of the corrupted network adapter. Yes, that’s a given, but if the above-given solutions don’t work, it’s time for you to try this.

Of course, you can’t update or install new drivers to your system without an active connection. But you can reinstall the pre-existing or built-in driver on Windows 10. All you need to do is follow the guideline below:

  • Start the Run command—Press Windows Key + R.
  • Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ in the bar, enter, or click okay.
  • This will open the device manager. Find Network Adapters and expand on them.
  • Right-click on the network adapter it is using for connection. Click Uninstall.
  • After that, follow through with the entire prompt.

Go back and select ‘Scan for hardware change’ from Device Manager. Then select the default driver it shows to install. Carry on with the installation process.

4. Use Another Device To Get Latest Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers come with an array of problems. These include slow connectivity, loss of packet data, and much more. You might get frequent disconnections. If you’re using a higher bandwidth (5 GHz), the driver might pick lower (2.5 GHz).

Updating a driver is crucial. If you have an active connection, do it on your device. But, if you can’t access the internet, use another device.

  • Go online and search for the drivers on the internet.
  • Try to find the network drivers of the same company as your router / PC hardware. This brings the best compatibility.
  • You can download and store them in USB flash drives or other storage options.
  • Bring them to your PC or device that needs the driver. Install them manually.

This option can also fix the problem of ‘ windows could not find a driver for your network adapter.

5. System Restore Point

System Restore Point

When nothing seems to work, Windows System Restore is always available. Windows 10 mostly makes an automatic backup of up to one-month-old. You can use it to roll your system back by a month.

This won’t impact your saved files but system files. In other words, any app or software you install will have an effect. The same applies to the driver.

If it hasn’t been a month since you started having problems, you can use the system restore point. All you need to do is:

  • Once again, open the Run window. Press Windows + R keys together.
  • Type ‘rstrui’ in the run and press enter / OK.
  • Whatever window opens, click next and select ‘show more restore points.’ Find the ones that you feel are suitable.
  • Select any of the options and restore.
  • Make sure to scan for all affected programs to understand what needs restoration.

It is an excellent practice to create a system restore point from time to time. So, keep it in mind when installing anything that could change system files.

6. Power Management Settings

Power Management Settings

Are you still getting the windows that could not find a driver for your network adapter error? Maybe the problem is in your power management settings. It might be turning your driver/device off automatically.

To fix this problem, you will have to check the Device Manager.

  • Open the device manager and check for Network Adapters.
  • Right-click on different adapters and check their property. Look for power management in each one.
  • Make sure to uncheck the ‘Allow computer to turn off this device to save power’ option. Don’t check it ‘on,’ uncheck it. If it is already unchecked, then leave it be.
  • Click on OK.

Do this for all the network adapters that you have. It should solve the issues for you.

7. Reset Your Network

Reset Your Network

Sometimes, the best option is to reset the network settings. You might have changed it somehow. There are many reasons, and sometimes it can change automatically. Either way, give it a try if you’re still getting the error windows could not find a driver for your network adapter.

  • Press Windows Key + I. This will open settings. Then go to the top gear-like icon. It is located above the power icon.
  • From the settings, go to the Network & Internet options.
  • Then find the Network Reset option and click on it. Make sure to click Reset Now if any warning or page appears.
  • After doing so, it might prompt a restart.

If there wasn’t any restart, then manually do so. Restarting the system will help you further.

8. Uninstall The Device

Uninstall The Device

It could be annoying to get rid of the ‘windows could not find a driver for your network adapter’ error. If none of the above-given options work, only some options remain.

You have already tried reinstalling and updating the network adapter driver. You’ve tried a network adapter troubleshooter, even the device manager.

Windows could scan for hardware changes for this error message, but that’s about it. The final solution is to uninstall the driver and device. Try buying a new device. You can uninstall the network adapters and other drivers. 

After that, change or uninstall the device, or update the driver.